Fight over snake ends in delivery

By Paul Koepp
Deseret News

Published: Saturday, Sept. 26 2009 12:00 a.m. MDT

An argument over a pet python led to charges against a South Salt Lake man after he allegedly abused his pregnant wife, who ended up giving birth, according to charges filed Thursday in 3rd District Court.

The woman, who was 38 weeks along, told police her husband tossed the snake across the room and they began to fight over it. She started having stomach pains when he threw her to the ground as her 17-month-old daughter watched, the charges say.

The wife was transported to a hospital and delivered her baby.

Tim Goyen, 21, was charged with assault and domestic violence in the presence of a child. A warrant for his arrest was issued with bail set at $25,000.

Goyen pleaded guilty in June to misdemeanor simple assault in connection with a domestic violence incident in West Valley City, court records show.